It seems like it’s always those months right before the holidays when deadlines start to pile up and skipping the gym becomes a habit. If you’re experiencing a lack of workout motivation during busy autumn days, there are plenty of ways to stay active without straying too far from the office. KINETIC, fueled by Irvine Company, will encourage you to work smart and live well with a variety of resources, including walking maps and state-of-the-art fitness equipment. If you’re ready to start moving, check out the list below.
Walk to the Office
If you live a few miles from your office, walking to work could be easier than you think! On your next day off, practice traveling by foot from your home to the workplace. Be sure to time yourself so that when the work week comes around, you can make it to work on time. Map out your favorite routes – maybe draw out a scenic route for leisurely walks and a shortcut that will get you to work faster. No matter what route you take, choosing to walk before and after work will create the perfect opportunity to get moving without disrupting your workday. Another option is to stop by your on-site Customer Resource Center and pick up a KINETIC walking map. These maps come with pre-routed paths specific to your workplace community, perfect for if you’d like to take a walk during work hours. Plus, a little bit of walking each day has been proven to improve quality of life. A 2015 study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology indicated that walking for just 30 minutes a day for a three-year period can decrease health risks by 33 percent. Moreover, walking has proven to improve heart health, boost cognitive function and enhance quality of sleep so you can greet the day with as much energy as possible.
Hike on Your Lunchbreak
Irvine Company Offices are located in some of the country’s most scenic locations. From Bommer Canyon in Irvine to Torrey Pines in San Diego to San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail in Santa Clara, Irvine Company Offices are surrounded by exciting, easily accessible hiking options. On your next lunch break, consider taking a stroll down one of the nearby scenic trails – whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or something more strenuous, there are plenty of options to choose from. The amazing thing about hiking is it’s entirely unpredictable – every change in terrain, every incline or decline offers new physical challenges and benefits. The soft terrain on the trail can prevent joint stiffness, uphill walks are great for strength training and walking, in general, is great for lowering blood pressure. Mental health can also benefit from hiking, as published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. This particular study surveyed a group of people who were tasked with walking in a natural area for 90 minutes. Researchers found that this experience decreased activity in the part of the brain associated with depression. Taking the time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors will help you return to the workplace with positivity and mental wellness.
Hit the Gym
One of the best parts of working at an Irvine Company Office is the convenience of having an on-site fitness center. KINETIC, a workplace fitness and wellness movement, offers state-of-the-art equipment and group fitness classes. If you’re interested in a solo workout, consider switching on the treadmill or the elliptical to kickstart your cardio. KINETIC workout equipment includes highly immersive video capabilities that can transport you to a variety of locations. If you have ever wanted to run along the Golden Gate Bridge or on the streets of Seattle, now is your chance! Simply program your exercise machine to display a video of your desired location. If you need a little more motivation to get moving, try signing up for a fitness class at your local KINETIC. With invigorating options like Zumba, yoga and strength training, KINETIC creates space to reenergize and refocus before jumping back into the workday.
Hold Meetings Outside
Have a meeting coming up? Invite your colleagues outdoors! Moving from the office to an outdoor space will not only encourage movement, it will also provide a change of scenery. A little sunshine and fresh air can work wonders for the body and mind. According to a study entitled Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning through Immersion in Natural Settings, spending extended periods of time in nature was linked to enhanced problem-solving skills and creativity. Knowing this, an outdoor meeting could be the perfect opportunity to brainstorm new ideas and uncover that game-changing new idea. In addition to boosting productivity and critical thinking, getting outside can also contribute todecreased stress levels and lower blood pressure, which will leave you feeling centered and prepared to take on the day ahead.
Want to Grab Coffee? Take the Long Way
When we wake up, most of us have one thing on our minds: coffee! Before you reach for the car keys, take a look at how far away the destination is on a map. If you can spare an hour to walk, go for it! Both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cancer Society recommend at least 2.5 hours of moderate intensity exercise a week. If you walk for an hour a day, every day, you will complete more than double that recommended amount! A brisk walk each day will strengthen muscles, jumpstart circulation for heightened energy levels and dip into fat reserves to promote weight loss. Plus, there’s no bigger motivator than getting your daily dose of caffeine!
Getting some walking in during the workweek provides many health benefits which, in turn, improve productivity, mental health and more. If you’re interested in working smart and living well, consider downloading the KINETIC app for iPhone or Android, where you can sign up for fitness classes, view walking maps and more.
